Chapter 83 - Eighty-three : The Gala (1/2)

Maya's POV

”Take this ” Nik said and handed a pair of glasses to me while I had a confused expression on my face.

I took the glasses from him and examined it carefully ” Why do I need this? ”

His smirked ” You'll know soon enough ” he said just as the car pulled up outside the hotel and one of his men opened the door.

The moment Nik stepped out, he reached out a hand and helped me out of the car but I was flabbergasted when what seem like a million camera flashes attacked me.

”What the hell ” I gasped and finally understood why celebrities wear glasses to such events ; it was too much.

I gave Niklaus a grateful smile, if not for the eye glasses, I bet my eyes would be shut close throughout this ordeal.

” Mr Niklaus ” The paparazzo swarmed towards us like bees to a honey but Niklaus's security team were there to make sure none of them went past the barricade nor do anything stupid all in the name of getting their questions answered.

I immerse myself in the atmosphere to the extent I was quite startled when Niklaus suddenly stopped to pose for pictures and questions .

Everything felt so unreal and nerving cause I was the instant target of news hungry reporters.

”Sir Niklaus , who is your date for the night?” One of the reporters stepped close enough to ask and Niklaus looked towards me .

”Should I or should you? ” He threw the ball in my court and I smiled and stepped forward.

”I'm Maya... ” I introduced but faltered having realized I couldn't use my surname anymore, I had already been removed from the family registry

”I'm Maya, just Maya ” I said, making sure my voice didn't crack at the end while fighting against the tears threatening to pool at my eyes and flashed them a smile instead .

”Maya? ” the reporter asked with a trace of surprise on his face and I couldn't help but sympathize with him.

It was obvious he couldn't recognize me and I couldn't blame him, I couldn't recognize myself either with all this makeups and luxurious dress - it was like I was another me.

”Isn't she the nanny working under your roof ?” another reporter took advantage of the momentarily distraction and directed the question at Niklaus this time.

I bite the inside of my mouth, my gaze darting between Niklaus and the reporter but the person in question just stared at the reporter with a cool and collected expression as he replied ” Yes, she is. So? ”

The reporter pressed on ” Does she have any connection with the alleged engagement claim you rejected earlier this week? ”

This time, Niklaus let go of my hand and moved towards the reporter and his assistant who brought the camera and microphone closer, almost to his face.

But Niklaus stood calm and poised and replied ”If you're that curious, you're free to come and live under my roof ” and that being said, he walked back to me and gave me his arm.

I looked at him surprised and then slipped my arm around his with a smile and was about to cover the rest of the red carpet when a question from the crowd of reporters stopped us in our track.

”Is she the latest collection to your infamous harem ? ”